San Diego – More than 25,000 runners are expected to take part in Rock 'n' Roll San Diego on Sunday, May 31, 2026, with tens of thousands of additional spectators expected along the course. With large crowds anticipated in and around downtown San Diego, Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is encouraging participants and attendees to take the Trolley to avoid major road closures, traffic delays and limited parking near the race route.
Because of widespread street closures tied to the marathon and half marathon courses, several MTS bus routes will operate on detours and may experience delays. Areas expected to see the greatest impacts include Downtown, Uptown, North Park, Normal Heights, Morena, Linda Vista, Bay Park and Mission Valley.
A full list of affected routes and trip-planning resources is available on the MTS Rock 'n' Roll Marathon webpage. MTS Information and Trip Planning assistance will also be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at (619) 233-3004.
Race Day Transit Tips
For race day, MTS recommends riding the Trolley as it is the most reliable way to get to the start and finish areas. The starting line at Sixth Avenue and Quince Street in Balboa Park is just over a mile from the nearest Trolley stations and can be reached by walking or biking from:
- Fifth Avenue Trolley Station: UC San Diego Blue Line and Orange Line
- Middletown Trolley Station: UC San Diego Blue Line and Green Line
The finish line at Ash Street and Union Street in downtown San Diego is within walking distance of several stations. The most convenient options to access the finish line and post-race activities are Courthouse, America Plaza, Santa Fe Depot and County Center/Little Italy stations.
- Courthouse: Orange Line
- America Plaza: UC San Diego Blue Line
- Santa Fe Depot: UC San Diego Blue Line and Green Line
- County Center / Little Italy: UC San Diego Blue Line and Green Line
Free Park & Ride Options: Spectators can also avoid downtown congestion and event parking costs by using MTS free Park & Ride lots throughout the Trolley system. Convenient locations for race day include:
- Old Town Transit Center (Green Line and UC San Diego Blue Line North – 400+ free parking spots)
- Overflow parking option available across the street at Caltrans District 11 – (4050 Taylor St., San Diego, CA, 92110 – 300+ additional free parking spots)
- Morena/Linda Vista (Green Line – 200 spaces, most parking available off Friars Road)
- Grossmont Transit Center (Green Line and Orange Line – 220 free parking spots)
- Amaya Drive (Green Line and Orange Line – 230 free parking spots)
- El Cajon Transit Center (Green and Orange Line, 400+ free parking spots)
- H Street (UC San Diego Blue Line, 295 free parking spots)
- Balboa Avenue Transit Center (UC San Diego Blue Line, 227 free parking spots)
- Tecolote Station (UC San Diego Blue Line, 279 free parking spots)
Ways to Pay
Contactless Payment: Riders now have the option to simply tap a credit card or other contactless payment options, such as a smartphone or smartwatch, on a station validator to pay for a one-way ride ($2.50, valid for two hours). This allows attendees to bypass the ticket vending machine and speed up wait times.
Every person needs their own payment option; you cannot buy fares for multiple people on the same account, card or payment method.
PRONTO: Spectators and racers should download the PRONTO app in advance and load at least $5 on your virtual card, which covers a round-trip fare for adult riders. All riders must tap or scan at validators to activate their pass or fare prior to boarding.
Kids Ride Free! Families going to the marathon can save big by taking MTS. On weekends, two children 12 and under ride for free, no pass required, with every paying adult.
About MTS
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates 93 bus routes and four Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. MTS is a leader in advancing initiatives to create a greener, cleaner and better-connected transit system in San Diego. Each weekday, more than 250,000 passenger trips are taken throughout the MTS system, taking people to work, school, health appointments and other essential trips. In FY 2025, MTS served more than 81 million riders. For service schedule updates, news, alerts and more information on how you can use public transportation, go to www.sdmts.com.
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